The Art of Zhanna Pekelis – Watercolor and Crochet

June 3 – July 15, 2025

Artist Statement

Zhanna Pekelis is a longtime Needham resident, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Zhanna and her family immigrated to the United States as refugees in the early 1990s, fleeing the antisemitism of the former Soviet Union.
Zhanna studied Architectural Engineering at the St. Petersburg University of Civil Engineers, where she received formal training in drawing, watercolor, and sculpture. Her foundational art education began even earlier at a specialized preparatory school focused on classical techniques—skills that continue to inform her current work.
After settling in the Boston area, Zhanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She has worked in construction administration and has served for over a decade as a Project Manager at the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
While raising her children, Zhanna took a long pause from painting. Now that they are grown, she has returned to her lifelong passion for watercolor. Inspired by the natural world and the subtle interplay of light and shadow, her recent work focuses on birds and flowers—subjects she finds both beautiful and challenging.
Zhanna draws from a wide range of photographic references, including her own photos, those taken by her husband, Lev Bass, and the work of other nature photographers. She particularly admires the bird photography of Roger Fance. Her artistic style combines realistic detail with minimalist backgrounds, ensuring each subject captures the viewer’s full attention.
In addition to painting, Zhanna enjoys crocheting whimsical amigurumi toys, which she loves to give to family and friends.
She is honored to share her work with the Needham community and hopes it brings a sense of joy and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Prints of her original watercolor paintings are available for purchase on Etsy. All prints are professionally produced using top-tier printing services on 100% cotton cold-press watercolor paper. At 300gsm and 19.5 mil thickness, the paper has a luxurious, substantial feel. Its textured surface enhances the watercolor effect, adding depth and richness to each piece.